TTT #2!

WOWZA!!! Oh, have I got a steal to share with you.

Today, the library on the base we live on had a Used Book Sale. At the end of the sale, they offered bags to be filled for only $3. I jumped all over that!
I got 59 books total for 15 dollars (I threw in a 6 dollar donation since funds go to the Summer Reading Program for kids.) That comes out to about a quarter a book! (15 cents without including the donation) YAY!!!

Check out the stash:


What steals have you come across lately?

Thrifty Three Thursdays!

I want to start a weekly post called "Thrifty Three Thursdays". (Like the name? Oh yes...bet you didn't know I was a closet alliteration expert!)
In essence, I will showcase three bargains. They will either be steals I bought, ways to save money at home, deals on the web...any method that keeps money where it belongs: my wallet!
In today's economy, especially, people are more aware of how much they spend, and efforts are being made across the globe to tighten pursestrings. I've always been a bargain-hunter. Finally, my friends are beginning to understand why!

So....to kick things off, my first bargain---

I collect magazines. OK...truth is, I hoard them. I began going through them all. I took out pages with craft ideas, recipes, exercise tips. Grabbed a 3-ring binder and organized these pages by subject. I was doing great...until I got to my scrapbook/paper crafts mags. I couldn't tear out all the pages I liked! I'd be tearing out every page! So off I went to the Container Store. $15 dollars for magazine holders, though??? I said..."Nope..I'm MAKING these suckers."
Ran off to the post office, grabbed some Priority Mail boxes, cut them up, glued on some pretty fabric, and TADA! A pretty magazine holder for a fraction of the cost!
I even made some to corral Monster #1 and Monster #2's coloring books!! Here's some pics:




Not too shabby for a one-armed girl, huh? LOL

Stay tuned for Bargain #2!!!

Week in Review

It has been a week of frustrations, excitement, pain, and laughter. A true roller coaster of sorts.
The surgery and recovery is obviously my focus, but life has a way of making things bright when they may otherwise be difficult.
Most importantly, my daughters have been getting along wonderfully!
I have been stumbling across interesting and amazing blogs, which have spurred my creative side.
I was the lucky winner of two wonderful giveaways from the One World One Heart Giveaways.
The first:
Yarnplayers Arts' Tatting Giveaway
Marilee's necklace is absolutely beautiful, and I can't wait to wear it with a LBD for a nice evening out. Check out her etsy shop, too. You can find lovelies like this:



Visit her shop here: Yarnplayer's Etsy Shop

My second win was from Tracy at Side of the Road. I was excited to enter this since I am currently planning to redo my bedroom in black and white with red accents. How lovely will this look hanging in there?!
You can buy her gorgeous pieces here: Side of The Road's Etsy Shop.
You can snag some really pretty things, such as the barkcloth heart below.


And, to top it all off, I just received an email from Marta at Marta's Meanderings that I was the lucky winner of James Patterson's Run For Your Life. I am looking forward to reading this, as I've liked his other books. A great addition to my library.
Marta is also giving away a copy of Dan Simmons' The Terror here:
The Terror Giveaway
Check out her other reviews, too, while you're there. They are well-written and her blog is refreshing!

Overall, the blessings I have had this week have comp[letely overshadowed the obstacles before me. I am utterly thankful.

Enjoy this day of love, and spread happiness wherever you go.

Beautiful site with a wonderful message

Still navigating through Blogland when I stumbled upon kidz.
This better explains the site:
This is a site that celebrates the lives and lessons of special needs children, a.k.a. kidz. This is a site for everyone, not just friends and families of kidz. Our mission is to increase awareness and understanding about different health conditions and to help all people cope with challenges and enjoy life!

It really is touching, especially as a parent.
As a bonus, they're having a blog party next week and hosting giveaways. I hope you take some time to visit this site. You'll be amazed!

Recovery, Restlessness, and Ramblings

I had my surgery yesterday. My arm is still mostly numb from the nerve block, but the pain is starting. I want so badly to craft to take my mind off the discomfort, but it's difficult doing it one-handed (I tried..) Surgery went well, though, and the doctor did put a plate in. So now I guess I'm almost Bionic Woman. LOL
I've been surfing the blogosphere to pass the time, and have come across really interesting blogs. We have so many talented people on Blogger. It amazes me!

One of these talented people is Samantha at Scrapmaster's Paradise. Head iver to her blog and you'll be inspired, too.
Plus, she's hosting a great giveaway here:
http://thescrapmaster.blogspot.com/2009/02/sp-february-giveaway.html

I need to find my camera cord to upload my latest card creation from before my injury. Better get on that~

----E

Here I Sit, Broken Hearted...

...if you remember this ditty from 6th grade camp or from junior high, you're probably chuckling. And to ease your mind, no I didn't do THAT...the title just seemed catchy. LOL

I am hurting because I have a physical owie. A booboo better known as a broken wrist. This sucks in soooo many ways.
(Pardon me while I grab cheese to go with my whine)
It throws off my exercise regimen, right when it was becoming a great habit and I was beginning to really note physical changes.
I decided to start a new hobby of arts n' crafts, making ponytail holders for the girls. The materials now sit, untouched, begging for attention on the table. A tease for my crippled hand.
I was on a roll with my card-making/scrapbooking. That will also gather dust for a while.
Oh....and try typing one-handed. MUCH easier than it sounds!!!

At least I get to say I did it snowboarding, which throws an air of coolness which covers the underlying fact that in reality, I'm a huge klutz.

Sigh...pass the crackers.

This wonderful quote is by Marianne Williamson. It has often caused me to pause and evaluate my life. Am I using my talents to benefit not only my life, but the lives of those around me? Am I living my life to its greatest potential? Perhaps the answers are no, but just knowing that I could BE more, that I could DO more....quite a motivating thought in itself.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

What area in your life are you playing small in? And how can you change it so that you're letting your light shine?